Topic: axonal protein synthesis

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B (CMT2B) is a peripheral sensory neuropathy caused by mutations in the late endosome/lysosome associated small GTPase Rab7A. While progress has been made in characterizing the biochemical and functional consequences of CMT2B-causing mutations, the mechanisms leading to the degeneration of neurons with very long axons are still unclear. We recently found that Rab7-positive acidic compartments are involved in axonal protein synthesis, a process that is essential for neuronal function and maintenance. These intriguing findings prompted us to better understand lysosomal

Axonal protein synthesis seems to play an important role in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) axon guidance because axonal mRNAs could be locally translated “on demand” during axonal navigation. During embryonic development, RGC axons project to the brain and have to decide whether or not to cross the midline at the level of the optic chiasm. There are two types of RGCs, the contralateral ones (cRGCs) that respond to attractive cues; and the ipsilateral ones (iRGCs), that respond to repulsive cues. Although RGCs growth cones have a very fast dynamic behavior in response to environmental stimuli, k